Daily Devotional from Pastor Mary 1-20-20

Psalm 40:6 The Passion Translation (TPT)

A reason explains why we do certain things. For example, what is the reason behind why we go to church? What is our reason for tithing? Have we done something because we have heard the Spirit of God speak to our hearts? Has our action come from our desire to glorify God? Is our reason for a certain behavior based on our commitment to obey God’s Word? As believers, God is interested in the reasons behind our actions. He knows whether or not we do things for the “righteous” reasons. Because we are servants of Christ, we must do the will of God from the heart (Eph 6:6).

In our passage today, we will enjoy a psalm of David as he reminds us God is not looking for empty rituals; nor does he take delight in things that we have not taken to heart. God is interested in our motives or reasons for why we do things. Our reason for how we live must flow out of love for God and others.

Psalm 40:6 
It’s not sacrifices that really move your heart.
Burnt offerings, sin offerings—that’s not what brings you joy.
But when you open my ears and speak deeply to me,
I become your willing servant, your prisoner of love for life.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for reminding me, today, to think through the reasons for the things I choose to do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.